Morocco remains significantly dependent on energy imports to meet its domestic needs, with fossil fuels — including crude oil, refined petroleum products, coal, and natural gas — accounting for the vast majority of its energy supply. According to data from Morocco's Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, the country imports over 90% of its fossil fuel needs, making energy security a central concern for policymakers.
Crude oil and petroleum products arrive from a diverse range of suppliers. Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and Iraq, have historically been among Morocco's top crude oil sources. The United States has also become an increasingly important supplier of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and refined products. Meanwhile, Russia emerged as a notable supplier of certain petroleum products following global market disruptions in recent years, as Morocco, like many countries, sought cost-competitive sources.
Coal, used primarily for electricity generation at the Jerada and Jorf Lasfar power plants, is imported mainly from Colombia, Russia, and South Africa. Natural gas, though used in smaller quantities, is partly supplied via the Maghreb–Europe Gas Pipeline, which historically transported Algerian gas through Morocco to Spain. However, Algeria halted gas transit through this pipeline in late 2021 following a diplomatic rupture with Morocco, complicating the country's gas supply situation.
To reduce its dependence on energy imports, Morocco has made substantial investments in renewable energy. The country aims to generate 52% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Major projects such as the Noor Ouarzazate solar complex and the Tarfaya wind farm have significantly boosted domestic clean energy production. Morocco also exports electricity to Spain and Portugal, underlining its ambition to become a regional energy hub.
Despite these advances, the energy import bill remains a significant burden on Morocco's trade balance. Fluctuations in global oil and gas prices directly affect the country's economy, reinforcing the urgency of the ongoing energy transition strategy.
